Laredo Lawyer Handling Criminal Record Sealing & Expunction
Texas Expunctions & Orders of Nondisclosure
Your Case May Be Over. Your Record May Still Be Holding You Back.
A dismissed charge, completed deferred adjudication, or old arrest may still appear in background searches. Depending on how the case ended, Texas law may allow you to pursue an expunction or an order of nondisclosure.
Joey Tellez reviews the full arrest and court history to determine what relief may be available—and what may not.
A Fresh Start Begins With the Right Question
Can This Record Be Cleared or Sealed?
Possibly. The answer depends on the offense, disposition, waiting period, related charges, criminal history, and the law that applies to the case.
A dismissal does not automatically erase an arrest. Deferred adjudication does not automatically disappear. The complete history must be reviewed.
Two Different Forms of Relief
Expunction vs. Order of Nondisclosure
People often use “expungement” and “record sealing” as if they mean the same thing. Texas law treats them differently.
01
Expunction
An expunction is a court-ordered process that may remove qualifying records and files associated with an arrest.
Certain acquittals, pardons, qualifying dismissals, mistaken-identity cases, eligible programs, and other circumstances may qualify.
02
Order of Nondisclosure
An order of nondisclosure restricts public access to qualifying criminal-history information. It does not destroy the record.
Certain governmental, criminal-justice, licensing, and other authorized entities may still have access.
Potential Eligibility
Your Record May Qualify If:
These are starting points—not guarantees. Eligibility depends on the full case history.
A Dismissal Is Not Always Enough
Eligibility may depend on why the charge was dismissed, whether an indictment or information was filed, whether a waiting period has passed, whether prosecution remains possible, and whether related charges arose from the same arrest.
The Questions People Ask First
Can My Case Be Expunged or Sealed?
Can a dismissed case be expunged in Texas?
A dismissed case may qualify, but dismissal alone is not enough. The reason for dismissal, charging history, waiting period, related charges, and whether prosecution remains possible may all matter.
Can deferred adjudication be expunged?
In most situations, completing deferred adjudication does not make the arrest eligible for expunction simply because the charge was later dismissed. An order of nondisclosure may be the more relevant option, depending on the offense and other requirements.
Can a DWI be sealed or expunged?
A DWI arrest is not automatically eligible for expunction merely because the case ended. Texas also provides a nondisclosure process for certain qualifying DWI convictions when all statutory conditions are met.
Will the record disappear from every website?
No attorney can guarantee that information will immediately disappear from every private website, search engine, mugshot page, or background database. Private companies may update on different timelines or require additional documentation.
Why People Take This Step
An Old Record Can Keep Showing Up in New Opportunities.
How Tellez Law Helps
The Record-Clearing Process
01
Review the Record
The arrest, connected charges, final disposition, and available court documents are reviewed.
02
Determine Eligibility
The office evaluates whether the case may qualify for expunction, nondisclosure, or neither.
03
Prepare the Petition
The filing is prepared with accurate arrest, court, disposition, and agency information.
04
Handle the Court Process
Joey handles required notices, responses, objections, and any hearing that may be necessary.
05
Follow Through
If relief is granted, the office assists with the final order and the agency information included in the case.
Local Experience Matters
Why Choose Joey Tellez?
Joey has practiced law in Laredo for more than 24 years and previously served as a prosecutor in Webb and Zapata Counties.
His criminal-law experience helps him evaluate the arrest, charge, court disposition, and legal requirements that may determine whether relief is available.
Clients receive direct answers about eligibility, the court process, likely obstacles, and the next step.
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What Clients Say About Tellez Law
“From the very beginning, they demonstrated professionalism, clear communication, and a deep understanding of the legal process.”
— Jae
“Joey Téllez and his team are absolutely amazing. They're professional, honest, and truly care about their clients.”
— Pedro Almanza
Past client experiences do not guarantee a similar result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Texas Expunction and Record Sealing
Is expungement the same as expunction?
People commonly search for “expungement,” but Texas law generally uses the term “expunction.” Both terms are commonly used when discussing removal of qualifying arrest records.
Does a dismissed case automatically disappear?
No. A dismissal does not automatically remove arrest, charge, or court records. A separate proceeding may be necessary, and not every dismissal qualifies.
Can a felony arrest be expunged?
Certain felony arrests may qualify depending on how the case ended, whether waiting periods have passed, whether related charges exist, and whether a statutory exclusion applies.
Can employers see a sealed record?
An order of nondisclosure generally restricts public access. Certain governmental, criminal-justice, licensing, regulatory, and other authorized entities may continue to have access.
How long does the process take?
The timeframe depends on the court, the number of agencies receiving notice, whether an objection is filed, whether a hearing is required, and how quickly the final order is processed.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Bring any arrest and court documents you have, including the cause number, charging documents, dismissal paperwork, judgment, deferred-adjudication order, discharge order, and arresting-agency information.
Limpia Tu Pasado. Deja Tu Camino Despejado.
Find Out Whether Your Record May Qualify.
A dismissal, acquittal, deferred adjudication, or completed sentence does not automatically determine eligibility. Let Tellez Law review the complete history.
Call (956) 717-8200 Request an Eligibility Review
This page provides general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Eligibility and results depend on the facts, disposition, criminal history, and applicable law. No result is guaranteed.